Japan
Losses from Typhoon Guchol expected to be under $500m
Insured losses from Typhoon Guchol are estimated to be less than $500m, according to catastrophe modelling firm Eqecat.
FM Global launches free nat cat toolkit
Commercial property insurer FM Global has launched an online resource for natural hazard planning to help businesses prepare for and protect against the growing risk of catastrophes.
Top five Asian news stories
The top five Asian stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.
Japan's lower house passes Iranian oil tanker bill
Japan took a major step towards circumventing the imminent EU sanctions against Iranian oil on Friday after its lower house passed a bill to provide government guarantees on insurance for Iranian crude cargoes, Reuters reported.
Japan approves insurance for tankers carring Iranian oil
Japan's cabinet has approved a bill to provide sovereign insurance to tanker operators that import Iranian oil before European Union sanctions come into force.
Japan to allow sovereign guarantees for tankers
Japan's cabinet plans to approve a bill giving sovereign guarantees for the nation’s oil tankers, circumventing sanctions aimed at stalling Iran's nuclear programme, according to Bloomberg.
Europa to delist following acquisition
Talanx International AG and Japanese insurer Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company have successfully closed their joint acquisition of the Polish Europa Insurance Group.
ISA 2012: Insurers urged to sharpen up claims management processes
Rising claims recorded in Asia due to the Thailand floods and Japan earthquakes mean that optimising claims management is critical for insurers seeking to improve customer satisfaction.
ISA 2012: Panel discusses evolving nature of Asian insurance hubs and offices
The changing dynamics of the Asian markets with their European/American headquarters is blurring the status of offices across the continent as regional hubs or self-sufficient management centres, and the divide between a front office and a back office…
ISA 2012: Insurer bosses claim no foreign player has 'Pan-Asian edge'
As mature markets sink deeper into the eurozone crisis, Asia remains a bright spot for global insurers. That was the view of Johnny Chen, CEO of Zurich Financial Services, who told the audience at ISA 2012 yesterday that he remains positive in his firm's…
Tycoon's son makes surprise ING Asia bid
The son of Asia's wealthiest tycoon, Li Ka-shing, has lodged a surprise bid for the south east Asian businesses of ING's $6bn Asian insurance operations, the Financial Times reported today.
Japan may provide cover for nation's Iran crude tankers
Japan's government may provide cover for tankers bringing in Iranian oil once a European Union ban on insurance takes effect in July, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
Countdown to ISA: Is the renminbi the new dollar?
As the valuation of the Chinese renminbi has an impact on the global currency markets, Andrew Leung looks at Chinese monetary policy and the Global Reserve Currency System in a global context.
Online video: Commercial property - managing natural disaster risk
Globally, 2011 was a record year for natural catastrophe losses, highlighting flood risk as an issue of major concern for corporates, their brokers and insurers.
Japan and South Korea petition EU for Iran sanctions exemption
South Korea and Japan are asking the European Union to allow access to European insurance for Iranian oil shipments even after a 1 July embargo comes into effect, according to Al Arabiya news.
Cyber risk rising in Asia
Cyber crime is on the rise in Asia, with small businesses particularly at risk, according to a recent Marsh report.
Lloyd's: Can the market fully recover from the losses in 2011?
Lloyd's' market performance and underwriting discipline has long been praised by the industry but, after the near unprecedented losses in 2011, many are wondering whether it can fully bounce back.
FSA fines Mitsui Sumitomo for corporate governance failings
The Financial Services Authority has fined Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company £3,345,000 for serious corporate governance failings, and imposed a ban and fine of £119,303 on its former executive chairman, Yohichi Kumagai.
Buffett targets Asia for reinsurance expansion
Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is aiming to pursue more opportunities in Asia after boosting reinsurance sales in the region.
Countdown to ISA: Q&A with KPMG's Martin Noble
As part of a series counting down to Insurance Strategy Asia, Insurance Insight spoke to Martin Noble about his views on the Asian insurance market.
Adverse April conditions wreak havoc across the globe
Severe weather conditions across central and southern sections of the US last month have caused upwards of $1bn (£620m) in insured losses, according to Aon Benfield's Global Catastrophe Recap report.
Asia must invest in urban disaster risk management
Industry insiders at a seminar convened by the Asian Development Bank have called for Asian countries to increase investment in urban disaster risk management.
Countdown to ISA: Q&A with Axa Asia's Prasanna Patil
As part of a series counting down to Insurance Strategy Asia, Insurance Insight spoke to Prasanna Patil about his views on the Asian insurance market.
Ace on a 'hunt' to buy Japanese firms
Ace Group has revealed its interest in Japanese acquisition targets in a conference call with analysts